March 18, 1935 — Feb. 1, 2014

Bertha Eva Hilligoss, 78, of Niles, Mich died on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles. She was born March 18, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to William and Susanna (Woyak) Brown.

On June 18, 1955 she married William A. Hilligoss, who survives with their children, William W. (& Susie) Hilligoss, Pam (& Craig) Krassow and Vickie (& Randy) Clanton, all of Niles, Becky (& Lee) Yinger and Jackie (& Willie) McCraner, all of Florida, grandchildren, Penny, Bud, Jason, Jessica, Christopher, Melissa, Jake and Ashley and great-grandchildren, Zach, Kelsey, Carter, Kylie, Morgan and Alyssa.

Bertha is also survived by a brother, Jim (& Dorie) Brown of Washington, and sisters, Rose Waters of Washington, Dorothy Marlott of Kalamazoo, Esther Smith of Washington, Lillian Spinler of Montana and Pearl Kelly of Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jack Brown.

Bertha was retired from Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles after 32 years of service. She enjoyed visiting the casino, playing her instant lottery tickets and would never turn down a challenge to play a game of Yahtzee. Bertha was dearly loved by her husband and children and will be deeply missed. Bertha adored spending time with her family and had a very giving heart. She took pleasure in doing for others and made sure her family was always happy. IF you ever needed her for anything, she was always there.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Bertha Eva Hilligoss will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles, by Rev. David Otto of the parish, and concelebrated by the Rev. William Melody of Notre Dame. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends one hour before the service at the church.

Donations in memory of Bertha may be made to the Saint Mary Catholic Church, Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com